- With a high pick likely, the Cardinals should consider finding a QB of the future: Fernando Mendoza may lack the athleticism of Kyler Murray, but he has NFL size and excellent accuracy.
- The secondary should once again be a primary focus in this year’s draft: Arizona has five defensemen with at least 120 coverage snaps who have allowed a passer rating of 117.0 or higher this season, and with safety Jalen Thompson likely headed to free agency, secondary help should be a major priority.
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For many fans, the writing is already on the wall for their teams’ seasons, and it’s time to look to the future. That means we need to get an early look at the 2026 NFL draft class, and PFF is here to help. Every week we’re adding mocks for new teams, and this time it’s Arizona’s turn.
The Cardinals appear to be at a crossroads at the QB position, as it may be time for them to start thinking about life after Kyler Murray, who is entering the final year of his current contract before his contract becomes voidable.
This is not intended as a predictive exercise – we don’t know the actual draft order yet – but rather an introduction to expected team needs and potential goals. Think of it this way: this is the only series you can afford to wait for for your team, because the longer it takes for them to show up, the better they will perform on the field this season.
Round 1, pick 7: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
A prototypical pocket passer, Mendoza has delivered a program-changing season for the Hoosiers. His accuracy is his superpower, as his average target depth of 9.5 yards is the highest among all quarterbacks with an adjusted completion percentage of at least 77.0%.
Round 2, pick 39: CB Keith Abney II, Arizona State
Nothing translates in the NFL for cornerbacks like ball production, and Abney has been one of the nation’s best players with the ball in the air over the past two seasons. In 2024 and 2025, he was targeted 169 times, but allowed just 80 catches while recording five interceptions and forcing a whopping 27 incompletions.
Round 3, pick 71: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
The secondary rebuild continues with the physical McNeil-Warren here in the third round. In 2025, he allowed just six receptions on 17 targets in his primary coverage while producing three interceptions and five pass breakups.
Round 4, pick 107: T Brian Parker, Duke
Parker delivered an excellent 2025 season for Duke, allowing just one sack and seven total pressures in pass protection while splitting reps at both tackle spots. He also paired that with an excellent run-blocking grade of 82.9.
Round 5, pick 146: G Kobe Baynes, Kansas
Baynes logged 891 pass-blocking snaps over the past three seasons at Kansas and didn’t allow a single sack or hit. He also improved his run-blocking grade every year, reaching a career-high 72.9 in 2025.
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